Manal Kahi

Manal Kahi is the Co-founder and CEO of Eat Offbeat, a New York-based catering company that specializes in authentic ethnic meals prepared by refugee chefs. Originally from Lebanon, Kahi holds a Master's degree in Energy and Environment from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Her background as an environmental scientist complements her entrepreneurial endeavors, particularly in the food industry.

Career and Mission

Kahi co-founded Eat Offbeat in 2015 with the mission to provide a platform for underrepresented cuisines while creating job opportunities for refugees, particularly women. The initiative aims to change perceptions about refugees by showcasing their culinary talents and contributions to the local economy. Kahi emphasizes that many of her chefs are talented home cooks rather than professional chefs, and she focuses on training them to enhance their skills further.

Vision

Kahi's vision for Eat Offbeat emerged from her own experiences as an immigrant longing for authentic food. She recognized the potential to bridge cultural gaps through cuisine, stating:

“Our mission is to highlight that refugees are not necessarily always relying on charity. It is the opposite in that they are contributing to the economy”.1

Through partnerships with organizations like the International Rescue Committee, Eat Offbeat continues to grow while advocating for social responsibility in the culinary arts.12

Languages

In addition to her entrepreneurial activities, Kahi is multilingual, speaking Arabic, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Japanese at various proficiency levels.2

Kahi's work not only enriches New York's food scene but also plays a significant role in redefining narratives around refugees and their contributions to society.